Bengal Florican Reserve

Designated Bengal Florican Conservation Areas, the seasonally flooded grasslands of Kompong Thom and Siem Reap Provinces contain the largest known population of Bengal Florican – over 50% of the world’s population.

There are several sites we visit that comprise important non-breeding grounds for many large water birds, such as Painted Stork, and Sarus Crane. Also found in this area are Pied and Eastern Marsh Harrier, Small Buttonquail, Bluethroat and Red Avadavat, and it is potentially the largest single concentration of over wintering Manchurian Reed Warblers. Migrating Oriental Plovers are regularly spotted in March.

SVC has been working with community management committees (CMC) set up by WCS to monitor, patrol and protect florican populations. Prior to an SVC visit we will contact the CMC to confirm the best location for Florican sightings and use the local guides nominated by the CMC to find them. Conservation Contribution payments are made to the CMC each season and used for community development projects.
The grasslands are usually visited as part of a bird watching itinerary on route to Tmatboey and beyond though dedicated day trips can be arranged from Siem Reap.

Information

Birds

Seasons

In typical years, only accessible between January and June or July; otherwise flooded. Bengal Florican only present when not flooded, along with Sarus Crane. Bengal Floricans display during March-early May.

Habitats

Seasonally inundated outer-floodplain grassland with some small areas of scrub.

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About Us

SVC manages wildlife viewing trips with exclusive access to Wildlife Conservation Society sites across Cambodia. We were registered as a local NGO with the Ministry of Interior in 2006. Our goal is to provide an alternative sustainable livelihood from ecotourism for the local communities at the sites that WCS prioritises for conservation. In return for the income and employment received they are asked to sign no hunting and land use agreements, which are monitored by Ministries of Environment and Forestry patrol teams advised by WCS.